tracked leaders and 5th halfway, ridden to go 2nd briefly early straight, soon no impression and dropped to 4th 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
dwelt and settled in rear, headway on outer early straight and went 2nd 1f out, no impression on winner and kept on same pace inside final furlong
tracked leaders on inner and 4th halfway, pushed along and no impression under 2f out, no extra in 6th 1f out, weakened
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden approaching straight and dropped to 5th over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
led, headed 4f out, soon driven along and lost place entering straight, no extra
tracked leaders and 3rd halfway, headway to lead 4f out, ridden early straight, headed and dropped to 3rd 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders in 6th, dropped to rear and driven along soon after halfway, no threat in straight, tailed off
held up and 6th halfway, travelling best early straight and smooth headway to lead 1f out, driven out to assert final furlong, kept on well
The veteran Abou Ben has reverted to the Flat from jumping hurdles and fences in great style but generally needs much softer ground. Shamiran has been performing in decent class handicaps over timber and should be considered from what looks a fair mark. Aidan O'Brien, who is in unstoppable form at present, had four entered at the early stage and relies on JUSTIFICATION. He ran well in the Chester Cup but moderately in the 2m4f Ascot Stakes at the Royal Meeting then looked very unlucky at the Curragh. He is still inexperienced for his age but this should prove within his capabilities. Redera was having his first start since November when a very good third over hurdles at Down Royal last month and Alhellal has won two out of three here.
Justification 9-2 (9-10) Soon mid-division, ridden and switched towards outer 1 1/2f out, 5th over 1f out, kept on, 4th of 17, 3 1/2l behind Domination (9-4) at Curragh 2m hcp 60-100 gf in Jun.
Solo Performer (IRE) 5-1 (9-11) Led, headed 6f out, regained lead 4f out, ridden and headed 3f out, soon no extra, 5th of 6, 26l behind Knockcroghery (8-3) at Bellewstown 1m 6f hcp 60-90 gf.
Alhellal (IRE) 9-2 (8-12) Ridden early to gain prominent position and 3rd halfway, 2nd 4f out and ridden over 2f out, dropped to 5th over 1f out and no impression inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 6l behind Sir Ector (9-3) at Down Royal 1m 5f hcp gs in Jun.
Abou Ben (IRE) 7-2 (8-8) Keen hold, soon chased leaders, improved to be on terms from 3f out, led from 2f out, strongly pressed from over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong to hold on at the finish, won at Limerick 2m hcp 60-90 sft in Jun beating Clara Bel La (9-3) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Shamiran (IRE) 14-1 (8-9) Prominent, 4th halfway, ridden to challenge 4f out, weakened early straight, 17th of 27, well behind Voleuse De Coeurs (9-1) at Curragh 2m hcp hvy in Oct.
Fisher Bridge (IRE) 25-1 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden in 9th 3f out, soon no impression, 8th of 13, 22l behind Rawnaq (9-1) at Navan 1m 5f app hcp 50-85 in Jun.
Enchanted Forest (IRE) 20-1 (7-13) Took keen hold early, 6th halfway, ridden along in rear entering straight, no extra, last of 9, 38l behind Diplomat (8-10) at Killarney 1m 3f hcp hvy in Aug.
Redera (IRE) 7-1 (9-6) Soon mid-division, 9th early, no impression under pressure and kept on from 1f out, 5th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Shake The Bucket (9-11) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp 50-75 pol in Nov.
